Gio Gonzalez allows two unearned runs, Nationals eliminated

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(10/8/14) Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez wasn't a factor in Tuesday's decision after allowing two unearned runs on four hits and one walk in four innings while striking out one in his team's 3-2 Game 4 defeat against the Giants, which eliminated the Nationals from the playoffs.

Gonzalez committed an error in the second inning before walking in a run with the bases loaded and watching another come home on a groundout. He settled down to pitch two perfect innings before being removed for a pinch hitter. Gonzalez fared better than during his first postseason experience in 2012, when he posted a 4.50 ERA while walking 11 batters in 10 innings during another Nationals NLDS loss.

Gio Gonzalez sets a career high in Ks Thursday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/25/14) Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez struck out a career-high 12 and allowed only one hit in a win over the Mets in his final start of the season Thursday night, improving to 10-10 on the year. He issued two walks and did not permit a run over seven innings of a 3-0 victory.

Gonzalez ends his regular season with a 3.57 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and a 162:56 K:BB ratio over 158 2/3 innings.

Nationals set end-of-season rotation plans

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/24/14) The Nationals announced the team's rotation plans after Wednesday's game was rained out.

Blake Treinen will pitch the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets followed by Gio Gonzalez, who was scheduled to pitch Wednesday. On Friday, Doug Fister and Taylor Hill, who will be called up before the game, will pitch during the Nationals' second doubleheader in two days. Stephen Strasburg remains the probable starter for Saturday, while Jordan Zimmermann is scheduled to pitch the season finale Sunday after having his previously scheduled start pushed back due to a shoulder issue.

Mets-Nationals postponed Wednesday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(9/24/14) Wednesday's game between the Mets and Nationals has been postponed due to inclement weather.

The two teams will play a split doubleheader Thursday. The Nationals are also set to play a doubleheader Friday. Wednesday's scheduled starters were Dillon Gee and Gio Gonzalez, and both figure to appear during Thursday's doubleheader.

Gio Gonzalez goes seven innings strong in win over Miami

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9/18/14) Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez gave his team seven innings strong in a win over the Marlins in Miami on Thursday, improving to 9-10 on the year. He allowed two runs on six hits and no walks while striking out five over seven innings of work.

Over his last three starts covering 19 2/3 innings, Gonzalez has allowed six earned runs. He owns a 3.74 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP over 26 starts (151 2/3 innings). His next start will come Wednesday at home against the Mets.

2014 Summary: Other than his ERA rising for a second straight season, Gio Gonzalez's ratios held pretty steady in 2014. In fact, some of them -- namely, his strikeout, walk and home run rates -- actually improved, which suggests his little rough patch just before his month-long absence for shoulder inflammation helped inflate that ERA. It was 3.08 after the injury compared to a 4.62 ERA before it.

Playing time status: Apart from the shoulder injury, which clearly had no lasting effects, Gonzalez has been remarkably healthy over the years, so his durability isn't in question. His endurance, on the other hand, leaves something to be desired. In three years with the Nationals, he has yet to go 200 innings, falling just short in his two healthy seasons.

2015 Outlook: Now two years removed from a near Cy Young campaign, Gonzalez's shortcomings aren't so easily dismissed. Because he has swing-and-miss stuff but below-average control, his pitch counts often prevent him from going more than six innings, which also limits his wins potential even on an expected contender. On a per-inning basis, he'd be a top 20 starting pitcher, but unfortunately, Fantasy doesn't work that way. He'll help you make up ground in strikeouts after the top 30 starting pitchers are off the board, but be careful not to overvalue him.
(Updated 11/23/14)